The best spots for an epic brunch in Vancouver

What is it? Carlino is an Italian restaurant inspired by the Friuli region in northern Italy and emphasizes farm-fresh ingredients. Located in one of downtown Vancouver’s ritziest hotels, the Shangri-La, Carlino serves breakfast during the week and brunch on Saturdays and Sundays.

Why go? Dine amidst elegant but reserved décor with live music and exceptional fare. Not to be missed is the Carlino brunch board for two, which rotates every week and includes chef’s selection bennies. Other exceptional dishes include the Italian baked eggs with a meat ragu and the stuffed cornetto with caprese, prosciutto, and arugula.

What is it? “We are all about the eggs,” proclaims this local chain’s upbeat retro menu. Since starting out as a “little blue trailer” in 2012, Yolks has expanded to three locations, all serving classic brunch dishes and house specialties.

Why go? Yolks’ whole raison d’etre is brunch, so you can bet they’ve perfected some of your favorites to an art. There are bennies, egg sandwiches, pancakes, and waffles—including a Nutella cheesecake waffle—as well as smoothies, mimosas, and cocktails. The atmosphere is homey and cheerful, like being inside, yes, an egg.

What is it? The purple restaurant with the whimsical logo has risen to answer the needs of East Vancouver brunch enthusiasts. Weekday specials, a rarity in the brunch marketplace, reinforce the spot’s neighborhood vibe—but of course, everyone’s welcome.

Why go? Daybreakers’ menu offers basic fare with the occasional curveball, like a tiger prawn bennie and bacon maple pancakes. You’ll also find both a mimosa and Caesar flight, as well as The Shaft, a boozy espresso pick-me-up.

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What is it? A brunch and drinks cafe in the Shipyards District in North Vancouver with a lip-smackingly eclectic menu and community piano for budding Billy Joels. 

Why go? You know those brunch spots that just get it right? This is one of them. It is an always mouth-watering menu, full of everything from breakfast sandwiches and stuffed bagels to churros and avocado toast. Off-the-beaten (no pun intended) track specialties are plentiful, but a few are cauliflower benny, quinoa avo toast, and cornflakes crusted hazelnut babka French toast.

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What is it? An all-day breakfast and lunch café that began in Victoria before expanding to two locations in Vancouver (downtown and Kitsilano) and one in North Vancouver.

Why go? Jam Cafe is a cult favorite for its savory spreads as well as its ridiculously decadent pancake stacks. Here you’ll find every kind of benedict under the sun (yes, there’s a fried chicken one), cinnamon bun pancakes, and pulled pork tater bowls. The (breakfast) dream.

What is it? A breakfast chain that began in Calgary and has since expanded to several other cities in both the U.S. and Canada, including five locations in Metro Vancouver.

Why go? OEB’s menu boasts an extensive list of breakfast savories such as bennies and poutines and sweet delights like the Do Not Even Go There, a crêpe filled with vanilla custard, banana, fresh whipped cream, pistachios, and almonds and topped with Quebec maple syrup.

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What is it? One of the city’s most popular craft breweries, 33 Acres also serves brunch on the weekends.

Why go? The beer (or “B33R”) waffles are the main selling point of the 33 Acres brunch, but you can also order an avocado smash, a tomato avocado Benedict, and toast and eggs.

What is it? Located in a former steel foundry, this eatery is best known for its dinnertime menu but also serves up a mean brunch on the weekends.

Why go? Dishes include a meatball skillet, chorizo hash, smoked brisket benny, and their signature Belgard Bacon, a maple-braised pork belly topped with bourbon caramel. Want to make the decision easier? Opt for the brunch tasting menu, which offers a more limited choice of beverages, starters, and mains.

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What is it? The Michelin-recommended “vegetable-forward locavore” restaurant is a Mount Pleasant icon, and its brunch does not disappoint.

Why go? Delicately plated, colorful dishes each have a mile-long ingredient list. Most of the dishes can be vegan, but they don’t have to be, so you can keep your eggs if that’s your favorite part of brunch.

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What is it? A simple, bistro-style brunch joint in touristy Gastown serving breakfast items with a French twist every day of the week.

Why go? Four words: Banana-stuffed French toast. This delectable dish comes with a massive portion, but you'll still be tempted to grab an asiago scone to-go (go on, we won't tell). If you prefer savoury, try an egg dish with baked beans to take your breakfast across the channel, and coffee will always come served in a French press.

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What is it? An acclaimed handmade pasta joint on the edge of Gastown featuring weekend breakfasts with half the wait time as dinner.

Why go? Pasta for breakfast. Brunch pasta includes a poached or sunny-side-up egg to mix into your noodles. Depending on where you’re sitting, you can watch them make the pasta by hand right in front of you. Ask for the banana bread with cinnamon ricotta—you won’t regret it.

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What is it? Comfort food is served amongst vintage toys, collectibles, and eclectic art.  

Why go? Got kiddos in the mix? Take them to this brunch institution in the bustling Kitsilano neighborhood. They'll be fascinated by the decor, and you'll appreciate the prime people-watching from the patio. 

What is it? An elegant Belgian-style restaurant with brunch on weekends.

Why go? You can’t go wrong with this edge-of-downtown mainstay for a classy treat on a special day. The menu includes a glorious chorizo paella and Ocean Wise mussels three ways. The fluffy Belgian waffles are a no-brainer add-on to your meal, and white chocolate pistachio rosewater makes a wonderful dipping sauce or an added shot of flavor in your latte.

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What is it? If brunch means seeing and being seen, then head to Medina, where the line outside proves that the Library District resto is one of the city’s most popular. Rest assured, the Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and Liège-style (sweet, chewy, thick) waffles are worth the wait.

Why go? ... for food that feeds the soul. We like the Harissa burger, made with harissa-spiced beef in a grilled pita with two sunny eggs, hummus, and baba ganoush.

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What is it? A popular spot for all-day breakfast in the slowly-turning-hip Hastings-Sunrise neighborhood.

Why go? For diner basics and classics, especially eggs Benedict, done very well. One thing you’re sure to love is the pulled pork pancakes complete with Jack Daniel’s maple syrup.